Influenza Prevention

In response to widespread influenza activity throughout the state and nation, Dinwiddie County Public Schools is providing guidelines and implementing additional precautions for outbreak prevention. The District is following recommendations provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which include a three-step approach to fighting the flu.

According to the CDC, the first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year. Secondly, if you get the flu, the next step is to seek early treatment from medical professionals. Finally, the CDC recommends using the following everyday preventive actions to slow the spread of the flu:

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Stay away from people who are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, throw the tissue in the trash after it has been used.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

Clean and disinfect hard surfaces or objects that might be contaminated with germs by wiping them down with a household disinfectant, according to directions on the product label.

Dinwiddie County Public Schools is working in collaboration with teachers, administrators, nurses, and custodial services to take extra precautions, which include wiping down surfaces daily with antibacterial solution, increasing access to hand sanitizer, sending all children who present symptoms to the clinic, and immediately notifying parents of any reported illnesses.